In 1998 the Centre was extended to provide a full time Early Years Centre for lone parents taking up education, training or employment opportunities.

Four age categories are catered for:

• Babies/Waddlers 6months to 2 years
• Toddlers 2 years to 3 years
• Pre-Schoolers 3 years to 5years

The Early Years Centre is opened from 8.30am until 6.00pm Mondays to Fridays inclusive. Places are available as follows:

All our staff are highly trained and we have achieved Siolta Certification. We are implementing the High/Scope Early Years Curriculum in our centre, an approach to early learning developed in the United States in 1962 specifically for children in disadvantaged communities.

The High/Scope framework provides opportunities for children to learn in meaningful situations and within a variety of social contexts. There is a strong emphasis on the process of learning and the importance of developmentally appropriate environments for children. The approach fosters in children the characteristics of independence, decision-making and problem solving, which can be best described as life skills.

Implementing the High/Scope curriculum provides a framework by which we can ensure that our staff are delivering on our mission to continuously improve the quality of our childcare service and to monitor and evaluate our childcare practice to ensure it continues to be child centred.

If you wish to make enquiries about the Early Years Centre, drop into the Centre, telephone on 01 8484811 or email the Early Years Manager: Louise McGuirk at louise.mcguirk@dorasbui.ie